During this observation, focus on how class begins. Where is your CT before class begins? What is he or she doing? Using the clock on the wall, determine when your CT establishes order and begins class. How did she/he start their lesson? How is homework from the previous night reviewed/collected/assessed? How does your CT engage students during the opening of the lesson?
Observation:
In my middle school, my cooperating teacher starts class in a very organized manner. There is a to do list listed on the board which usually consists of writing in their science journal, writing down the homework and keeping busy until class begins. This gives her a chance to take attendance and pass back any necessary paperwork that needs to be handed back. A real focus on structure and organization is apparent in the classroom.
In my high school a similar approach is taken, though not as structured or rigid. Students are expected to take their seats and look at the agenda on the board to determine what they need to do for the day.
Reflection
Starting the class with a routine can be helpful because it allows you to take advantage of time that the students are working to do classroom chores such as taking attendance, passing out paperwork, etc. It also gets the students mentally focused for the class. I really liked the idea of science notebooks. It can help incorporate literacy into the science class as well as creating a hook for the lesson.
Observation:
In my middle school, my cooperating teacher starts class in a very organized manner. There is a to do list listed on the board which usually consists of writing in their science journal, writing down the homework and keeping busy until class begins. This gives her a chance to take attendance and pass back any necessary paperwork that needs to be handed back. A real focus on structure and organization is apparent in the classroom.
In my high school a similar approach is taken, though not as structured or rigid. Students are expected to take their seats and look at the agenda on the board to determine what they need to do for the day.
Reflection
Starting the class with a routine can be helpful because it allows you to take advantage of time that the students are working to do classroom chores such as taking attendance, passing out paperwork, etc. It also gets the students mentally focused for the class. I really liked the idea of science notebooks. It can help incorporate literacy into the science class as well as creating a hook for the lesson.